Eimear Mc Carthy
Linda Dunleavy
We will look at how numeracy
was introduced in the school
and how we went about
implementing the plan, as a
whole school collaborative
approach.
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Numeracy Link Teacher was chosen (not a post in
the school).
Core Numeracy Team consists of staff members
who are organised and willing to execute tasks
efficiently.
Team is comprised of various teaching
departments.
The process began with buy in from:
1. Numeracy team.
2. Maths department
3. Whole staff -presentation and introduction to staff, we
did not want bombard or overwhelm staff.
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We used the SSE templates to help us create
attitudinal surveys.
Google docs was recommended – However a
Gmail account is required.
Survey Monkey was used in St. Joseph’s.
Student surveys and parent survey
Analysis of state exam results
Analysis of STEN
Access Maths testing
From these results were identified strengths and
weaknesses.
In order to achieve targets realistic measures had to be
put in place.
 From Sept 2013 all 1st year students were required to
have the same calculator (SHARP EL-W531).
 Common tests across all departments.
 Clock and Calendar in every classroom.
 Walls are numeracy rich with posters and students
work.
 Maths week – Daily puzzles and poster competition,
also visit to National Concert Hall
 Returning tests as a fraction – students are to work
out their own percentages
 Homework – students who are underachieving or do
not have support at home are recommended for
Homework club or afterschool study.
All schools can access the online JCSP
resources.
 3 Cross Curricular Numeracy statements
were chosen:
1st year - Measurement of Time.
2nd year - Measurement of Length and Distance.
3rd year - Basic Research and Statistics.
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The numeracy team meet on a regular basis – using
Croke Park hours.
Other times are during in house exam time and
transition year work experience weeks.
Minutes are taken at all meetings – an agenda is
always in place, as time can be limited.
At times when management cannot attend meetings,
the numeracy link person always liaises with them.
Minutes are always emailed to management.
Management informs Board of Management about the
progress of numeracy in the school.
We were also invited to present our findings and
results from our surveys and testing to the Board of
Management.
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A key point to remember is not to overwhelm
the staff.
SSE folders were created for each subject
department.
Drop Box is used regularly with staff and
management. Avoids breakdown in
communication.
A Numeracy Guide is kept in staff room at all
times for staff to refer to if they have any
queries
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Are kept in Principals office.
Schemes of work to be updated in a digital
format, all schemes to have the same format and
include provision for numeracy and literacy.
JCSP Statements are included – subject related
and numeracy cross-curricular.
Checklist for numeracy and literacy.
Analysis of Junior Cert and Leaving Cert results.
Subject Specific numeracy planning and 10 key
numeracy words in their subject area – Keep it
simple for teachers!!
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The maths department created activities and
saved them on the school server where all
teachers have access to them.
Whole school involvement with puzzles of the
day and posters and photograph competition.
Transition year students created maths trails
for 2nd year students.
Six week link programme was created with
local National school, around the language of
problem solving.
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Our next step was to run a whole school
initiative.
We decided to begin with the ‘Have You Got
Maths Eyes’ project. Students discover the
maths eyes around them, and things they see
everyday.
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To engage parents, we felt it was vital to inform
them of the numeracy process.
We sent a letter to parents informing them of the
Numeracy strengths identified from our data
We notified parents of three measures we were
implementing to affirm good practice and
identify areas that merit improvements, in order
to achieve targets.
Management met with Parents Association and
introduced our numeracy plan.
During open evening we had a room dedicated to
Numeracy.
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Support from management is a key factor is setting
up a successful Numeracy Plan.
Also support from PDST, and numeracy link training.
Parents and Board of Management also of great
importance.
Work Colleagues
Time factor – management were generous with
facilitating time allocation.
No Financial support was needed, unless a school is
looking to purchase membership of Survey Monkey.
Numeracy Plan can be carried out with limited
finances
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Retesting every year.
Re-survey every year.
Reviewing and comparing data.
Reviewing targets and measures.
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Keep targets minimal and achievable.
Don’t overwhelm staff but ensure a whole school
collaborative approach – Numeracy is everyone’s
responsibility.
There must be excellent communication between
the link teacher, management, staff and board of
management.
Increase communication with parents.
Numeracy key words must be incorporated in all
subjects.
Set out a timeline – don’t do too much at once.